the coyotes begin to howl

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Goodness but it's been a while since I've written in here. Nearly 8 months, by my count! Truly unacceptable. I hope to use this blog a bit more in the upcoming months, as I find myself embroiled in the Semester in Dialogue at SFU--it's only been a week, but I can tell it's going to be a challenging, engaging, and incredibly rewarding semester. Part of our assignments is journalling, and I figure that blogging will count quite well towards that.

But in the meantime, here are a few photos to describe what's gone on since my last update--as in, what's happened since the beginning of summer '08.

1. A Fantastic Job

I worked for four months at the Heights Merchants Assocation (www.burnabyheights.com) in Burnaby, BC. Not only did I get to use my degree and realize that hey, I can do a 9-5 position, enjoy it and be successful, but I got to know a few new cool cats and a new neighbourhood (that was always at my doorstep) a lot better.

From Hats Off Day '08 & HMA Shenanigans

2. A Beautiful Summer on the Hill

SFU is always so bleak and grim from September to April. (With a few respites that still makes it worth living here, however.) The summer, though, is something totally different. I was living in Townhouses again, and was with Laura and Tulga--and a whole crew of fellow rezzies who all seemed to be outgoing and interesting. We had a lovely time enjoying summer...

From The Summer of 2008!

3. The Arrival of Luke

At long last, that Aussie of mine made his way from Sydney to Europe to Vancouver. It was about damn time--he arrived on July 26, just in time for us to head to Revelstoke for the long weekend and to enjoy a mild August in Vancouver.

From The Summer of 2008!

4. Scrapbooking

It's a time for me to be introspective and creative. It's arts and crafts with a glass of wine and a good movie. What's there not to like? I've done a LOT of scrapbooking recently; my Australia collection is now complete (within a year of coming home, too!), and I'm hard at work on other projects as well.

From The Summer of 2008!

5. Another New Job and Fun Projects

I became a CA (Community Advisor) this year in Townhouses, and while it's been challenging at some points, I've gotten to bond with a group of ten really great people. Plus, our team retreat up to Whistler was a lot of fun.

From "C" to the "A" Adventures!

6. Friends

From Kate coming home from Newfoundland to Ola coming back from Australia to Alaina and Ashton from France, spending time dreaming and writing with Deanne, to long walks with Yngve and bus conversations with James, these people keep me grounded and in good humour. It's a blessing, truly.


7. And let's not forget family!

This is pretty self-explanatory. Mum and dad are always there for me, and while their "coaching" can sometimes get on my nerves--I know they're just trying to pass on their knowledge.


Ah, the more I think about it, the more things I find to write about here--but I shall leave it at seven points, and give an honourable mention to poetry classes, relaxing time, meeting new people, trips to nearby cities, and reuniting with my camp memories. It's time for me to be asleep, too... the coyotes are beginning to howl (I wonder how they're dealing with the good two feet of snow we have right now?), so it truly is time to drift off. Bonsoir...